I am based in the UK with an Indian passport and UK ILR. I

Customer Question

I am based in the UK with an Indian passport and UK ILR. I am looking to apply for a first time adult British passport under naturalization. The passport application requirements state that I need to submit my Indian passport with the application and this application process takes 6 weeks. Given that i travel extensively for work, is it possible for me to get my British passport without having to submit my Indian passport for 6 weeks as it would affect my job.

HiThank you for your question and patience, I’m Tom and I’ll try to help you.I’m afraid that there is no automatic right for you to request that the indian passport is returned to you during the naturalisation process before your application is determined.This means that in your covering letter you can request that the passport is returned to you by explaining the reasons why you need it to travel and perhaps by providing documentary evidence from your employer of why you need it to travel. You can ask that they make their checks on the passport and return it to you.I have to be honest the chances of them actually agreeing to do this are lower than 50:50 and so I would be extremely cautious about making firm travel plans during the determination period of the application. Certainly, I would explain to your work the problem that you have and try, as far as you are able, to work out contingency arrangements in the event that it is not returned to you.The alternative is to wait until you have a free 6 week period within which to apply.I am sorry.My goal is to provide you with a good service. If you feel you have received anything less, please reply back as I am happy to address follow-up issues specifically relating to your question.Kind regards,Tom

Hi,There is no fast-track/same day services as such, but there is a Nationality Checking Service run by the local authorities as you will see from the naturlisation "how to apply" website:--https://www.gov.uk/becoming-a-british-citizen/how-to-applyThe further page is here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-checking-service-england/england-nationality-checking-servicesHowever, they simply check the form to ensure that it has been complete correctly and that it won't be rejected out-of-hand. It's worth doing but it does not guarantee that they will expedite your applciaton.You can appeal to them in the application to expedite the process, but it does not mean that they will because a veyr high percentage of applications made also say they want theirs expedited.Good luck.Kind regards,Tom

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